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Riding the rails is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, winding through the eastern states from Georgia up to New York and allowing you to view the scenery without having to stop or tear your attention away from driving. Some rail journeys last little more than a few hours while others can be an all-day event. What you can expect from any of these excursions is relaxation and excellent scenery.

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Starting from Dillsboro, North Carolina, you wind your way into the Great Smoky Mountains via Cowee Tunnel and several crossings of the Tuckasegee River. You will see charming meadows and historic railroad towns on your way to Bryson City's celebrated railroad depot, with a brief layover before the return trip.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

Departing from Bryson City, this train takes you along Horseshoe Curve, over the Fontana Lake Trestle, crosses the Tennessee River and winds through the Nantahala River Gorge on its way to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Depot, where you can enjoy lunch before the return trip.

Combination Gorge Excursion

Boarding the train in the picturesque community of Dillsboro, this trip will take you past one of the more spectacular sites used in the movie "The Fugitive." After passing through Cowee Tunnel, you will cross the Tuckasegee River and roll through Bryson City. Following lunch at the NOC Depot on the Nantahala River Gorge, you will return to Dillsboro along the same route. The second trip offered along this line begins in Bryson City, takes you alongside the Tuckasegee River, then over the Fontana Lake Trestle. After traversing the Nantahala River Gorge, you stop for lunch at the NOC Depot before the return trip.

Raft 'n' Rail

This two-part excursion begins with a 22-mile train ride through Nantahala River Gorge in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The end of the line is where the fun begins, as professional whitewater river guides will lead you on a two-hour rafting trip back down the Nantahala River, offering a different perspective on the gorge. You will come ashore for a picnic lunch, then may take a hot shower in the changing rooms before the ride back up to the depot.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Sit back and enjoy a three-hour tour through the mountains of West Virginia while a narrator fills you in on the history of the land. Along the way, you will see tall hardwood trees, lush evergreens and carpets of wildflowers as you follow the Potomac River through an unspoiled mountain valley.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Starting from Blue Ridge, Georgia, this train takes you winding through the lower Appalachian Mountains, sometimes with stops in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, depending on the time of year. The 26-mile round trip follows the Toccoa River into the mountains and lasts about four hours.

Mystery Theater Dinner Train

A function of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, these special trips depart from Bryson City and include dinner and a live murder mystery show in which all of the passengers get to play a role. Have a few laughs while you help --- or hinder --- the detective as he tries to solve the case. Dress codes are strictly enforced for this tour.